I would throw out everything you have got and DON'T LET GO OF THE STICK. The plane's stick free pitch stability is MUCH worse than its stick fixed stability. When you let go, you are a passenger, accepting whatever the upset brings you. Stay active, and aware of what is happening, and you have a chance. Even if Active is just holding the stick in one position. As to exceeding flaps down limit speed, I would rather have the drag and hope that it hangs together than not have the drag and be pretty well assured that it won't. If you have lost sight of the ground, drag is your friend and speed kills.

But, that is just me.

Steve Leonard